Outdoor Rooms Built for Winter
Enjoy your outdoor zones all year long with these 10 hot ideas
Just because the weather has turned chilly, there’s no reason to stop utilising the outdoor areas of your home. There are many ways to spend quality time al fresco. Even when the sun goes down, there’s no need to abandon the fun – just take a look at some of these creative solutions.
2. Conversation pit
Another ‘70s favourite given a modern makeover is the conversation pit – a cosy spot decorated with built-in benches and an abundance of weather-resistant cushions. Separate from the house itself, this zone adds an intimate vibe, and a linear fireplace means guests stay warm enough to keep the conversation going till the wee small hours.
Another ‘70s favourite given a modern makeover is the conversation pit – a cosy spot decorated with built-in benches and an abundance of weather-resistant cushions. Separate from the house itself, this zone adds an intimate vibe, and a linear fireplace means guests stay warm enough to keep the conversation going till the wee small hours.
3. Zen-inspired retreat
A nod to the Zen philosophy, this shapely structure brings harmony and serenity to the outdoor zone. Its minimalist furniture and reclaimed timberwork all utilise strong curvaceous lines, topped off by the ceiling-mounted fireplace that radiates warmth to the surrounding area.
10 ways to heat up your outdoors
A nod to the Zen philosophy, this shapely structure brings harmony and serenity to the outdoor zone. Its minimalist furniture and reclaimed timberwork all utilise strong curvaceous lines, topped off by the ceiling-mounted fireplace that radiates warmth to the surrounding area.
10 ways to heat up your outdoors
4. Sauna fantasy
Ok, it may be a rarity in Australia but the thought of entering a sizzling sauna in the middle of winter is hard to beat. This unit in San Francisco is small enough to fit into the corner of any garden.
Ok, it may be a rarity in Australia but the thought of entering a sizzling sauna in the middle of winter is hard to beat. This unit in San Francisco is small enough to fit into the corner of any garden.
5. Resort-style bathroom
Dreaming of staying at a five-star resort? Don’t bother – simply recreate the hotel feel with a freestyle bath filled with petals and lotions. Just close your eyes and let stress melt away. A luxury towel, fresh strawberries, pillar candles and a bottle of fine champagne for two creates an unforgettable experience.
10 ideas for outdoor bathrooms
Dreaming of staying at a five-star resort? Don’t bother – simply recreate the hotel feel with a freestyle bath filled with petals and lotions. Just close your eyes and let stress melt away. A luxury towel, fresh strawberries, pillar candles and a bottle of fine champagne for two creates an unforgettable experience.
10 ideas for outdoor bathrooms
6. Sailor’s sanctuary
Pioneered by restaurateurs, the mushroom-shaped gas-fired heater pushes out radiant heat, warming you without heating the surrounding air. Safe and sturdy, it can reach a radius of up to five square metres. Earlier ranges were inefficient, but the new medium-wave infra-red products are more cost- and eco-friendly, and have become a popular option in the backyard.
Pioneered by restaurateurs, the mushroom-shaped gas-fired heater pushes out radiant heat, warming you without heating the surrounding air. Safe and sturdy, it can reach a radius of up to five square metres. Earlier ranges were inefficient, but the new medium-wave infra-red products are more cost- and eco-friendly, and have become a popular option in the backyard.
7. Indoor-outdoor haven
An infra-red radiant heater reaches full operating temperature within a couple of seconds and heats an area of 20-25 square metres, making it a cosy option in an outdoor room. Available as electric or gas, it’s highly efficient as the medium-wave beam is unaffected by wind and has no naked flames or gas emissions. This also makes these heaters environmentally friendly, with an option of being fitted with a separate motion sensor.
An infra-red radiant heater reaches full operating temperature within a couple of seconds and heats an area of 20-25 square metres, making it a cosy option in an outdoor room. Available as electric or gas, it’s highly efficient as the medium-wave beam is unaffected by wind and has no naked flames or gas emissions. This also makes these heaters environmentally friendly, with an option of being fitted with a separate motion sensor.
8. Tropical retreat
A sumptuous fire pit radiates heat, keeping friends and family warm during chilly evenings. For safety reasons, it’s not suitable to place a fire pit directly on a timber floor, but here, the concrete inset prevents any danger due to flyaway embers.
A sumptuous fire pit radiates heat, keeping friends and family warm during chilly evenings. For safety reasons, it’s not suitable to place a fire pit directly on a timber floor, but here, the concrete inset prevents any danger due to flyaway embers.
9. Flexible refuge
Flexibility is key when designing an outdoor room, particularly when it comes to heating options. While this adjustable roof is a dream in summer – providing plenty of UV protection – it can also be opened during the colder months, allowing sunlight in. It’s also a good idea to be able to close the panels completely when a storm arises.
Flexibility is key when designing an outdoor room, particularly when it comes to heating options. While this adjustable roof is a dream in summer – providing plenty of UV protection – it can also be opened during the colder months, allowing sunlight in. It’s also a good idea to be able to close the panels completely when a storm arises.
10. Hot tub with a view
When you have a spectacular view of Sydney’s harbour, why not make it even more special by adding a timber-encased hot tub? Steamy, bubbling water makes it an ideal place to entertain your nearest and dearest, in summer or winter.
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Have you got an outdoor space designed to be enjoyed all year round? Upload a picture of your winter-worthy outdoor room in the Comments.
MORE
8 Gloom-Busting Winter Chores to Tick Off the List
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17 Outstanding Outdoor Rooms
When you have a spectacular view of Sydney’s harbour, why not make it even more special by adding a timber-encased hot tub? Steamy, bubbling water makes it an ideal place to entertain your nearest and dearest, in summer or winter.
SHOW US
Have you got an outdoor space designed to be enjoyed all year round? Upload a picture of your winter-worthy outdoor room in the Comments.
MORE
8 Gloom-Busting Winter Chores to Tick Off the List
How to Hibernate: Hot Tips for a Warm as Toast Winter
17 Outstanding Outdoor Rooms
In the ‘70s, outdoor spas were all about swinging parties, sipping Campari and enjoying Jatz with cabanossi and cheese. But it’s time to enter the 21st century and celebrate up-to-the-minute spas with powerful jets. This Queensland home added a Bali hut for shade, making a long hot soak available 24 hours a day, 52 weeks a year.